At the “Golden Rose” Central Synagogue, the main synagogue of the Dnipro Jewish Community, an ancient custom related to one of the Torah’s commandments – “Machatzit HaShekel” (the half-shekel) – was observed. This beautiful custom was conducted under the leadership of Rabbi of the Golden Rose Central Synagogue, Reuven Milman, and reminded congregants of the importance of Jewish unity and support for their community.
At the outset, Rabbi Reuven Milman explained the meaning of this custom to the congregants, noting that the commandment of Machatzit HaShekel is mentioned in the Torah and pertains to a special directive from the Almighty, according to which every Jew during the days of the month of Adar was required to give a half-shekel. These funds were collected throughout the land of Israel and allocated for the needs of the Temple. Special boxes were set up for collecting the silver coins, where people would bring their contributions.
In Tanach, the collection of the half-shekel is mentioned three times, each with its specific purpose. The first mention of the half-shekel relates to its use for creating the foundations of the portable Sanctuary – the silver sockets into which the wooden planks of the Mishkan’s structure were inserted. The second half was designated for purchasing animals for the daily communal sacrifices on behalf of the entire people of Israel. The third portion went towards the maintenance and upkeep of the Temple, as even after the construction of the Jerusalem Temple, significant funds were required for its operation.
Today, when the Temple is not yet rebuilt, this custom is preserved as a memory of the commandment and a reminder of the importance of supporting the Jewish community. In different countries around the world, local currency is used for this purpose, as well as special silver coins, since genuine ancient half-shekels are extremely rare and practically inaccessible today. In many communities, it is customary to use silver dollars made of real silver.
At the Golden Rose Synagogue, silver coins symbolizing the half-shekel were used to fulfill this custom, and in accordance with local practice, coins of Ukrainian currency were added. For illustrative purposes, three five-hryvnia coins were used – as a symbol of the three mentions of the half-shekel in the Torah and as a reminder that Jews support their community in the country where they live.
The custom is performed as follows: heads of households approach and drop three coins into a metal vessel, so that the ringing of the metal can be heard. The coins are given not only for oneself but also for members of one’s family – one’s wife, children, and even grandchildren. In this way, each family symbolically participates in the ancient commandment and contributes to the support of the community.
“Machatzit HaShekel combines memory of the past, when we recall what was done long ago; the present, as we use the coins of our modern state; and hope for the future, embodying our aspiration for the rebuilding of the Temple in the very near future,” noted Rabbi Reuven Milman. “This beautiful custom reminds us how important it is to support our community and care for one another, especially in such a wonderful, united, and cohesive Dnipro Jewish Community under the leadership of its Chief Rabbi, Shmuel Kaminezki.”
